Environment news

• Brexit would harm efforts to tackle global poverty, UK aid figures warn

  24-02-2016 22:01
  
  Former UN leaders and charity chiefs publish letter warning attempts to combat poverty and climate change would be damaged by leaving the EUSome of the most prestigious figures in UK overseas aid, including former United Nations leaders, aid charity chiefs and development advisers to the government, have warned that withdrawal from the European Union would diminish Britain’s role in the world and set back British efforts to tackle global poverty and climate change.The letter, unlike earlie
  
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• House Republicans seek to open up national forests to mining and logging

  24-02-2016 21:50
  
  Weeks after an anti-government militia’s takeover of an Oregon wildlife refuge, legislators are presenting bills to loosen federal authority over public landCongress is to consider two bills that would allow states to hand over vast tracts of federal land for mining, logging or other commercial activities – just weeks after the arrest of an armed militia that took over a wildlife refuge in Oregon in protest at federal oversight of public land.Related: Oregon militia explainer: backgr
  
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• Shell replaces U.S. chief, splits unconventionals unit

  24-02-2016 21:41
  By Kristen Hays and Ron Bousso HOUSTON (Reuters) - Royal Dutch Shell's U.S. head Marvin Odum will step down after the company abandoned a troubled drilling project offshore Alaska, and the global oil company said on Wednesday it will split up its U.S. shale and Canadian oil sands unit. Stung by a 70 percent slide in crude prices since mid-2014, Shell this month reported its lowest annual income in more than a decade and pledged further cost saving measures. The Anglo-Dutch company said on Wednes
  
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• Oil rallies after loading issues for U.K. crude, U.S. gasoline demand

  24-02-2016 21:31
  
  By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil rallied as much as 3 percent on Wednesday with Brent prices helped by news of stalled loadings for the U.K.'s North Sea oil while U.S. crude futures rose after strong demand for gasoline offset worries about record high crude inventories. Some traders bet Brent and U.S. crude futures would fall in coming days as OPEC remained opposed to cutting output, and as U.S. refiners entered seasonal maintenance that causes a bigger buildup in crude stockpiles.
  
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• European commission plans to relicense controversial weedkiller

  24-02-2016 20:27
  
  Glyphosate was deemed ‘probably carcinogenic’ by WHO but draft law has been drawn up to grant new 15-year leaseThe European commission plans to give a new 15-year lease to a controversial weedkiller that was deemed “probably carcinogenic to humans” by the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).A draft implementing law seen by the Guardian says the commission has decided it is appropriate to renew the licence for glyphosate aft
  
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• Uber supports clean air initiatives in London | Letter from Jo Bertram of Uber

  24-02-2016 20:25
  
  We agree with your editorial (24 February) that more should to be done to tackle air pollution in London, and new technology can be part of the solution.More than four in 10 Uber trips in the capital are now in cleaner and greener hybrid vehicles, which produce less than half the pollution of a standard TX4 black cab. And our new car-sharing option UberPool makes it easy for people going in the same direction at the same time to share their journey. Continue reading...
  
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• Radio flash tracked to faraway galaxy

  24-02-2016 19:02 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Astronomers pinpoint the source of an explosive 'fast radio burst' for the very first time, and use it to measure the density of the cosmos.
  
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• Shell folds U.S. shale resources unit, says U.S. head to leave

  24-02-2016 19:00
  Royal Dutch Shell said on Wednesday it will fold into other operations a unit dedicated to developing so-called unconventional resources, a term used by the industry to describe shale oil and gas, and that the unit's director and U.S. head Marvin Odum would leave the company. The Anglo-Dutch company said its shale resources unit would become part of the upstream business led by Andy Brown. Its Athabasca Oil Sands Project and Scotford Upgrader in Canada would fall under the downstream unit, heade
  
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• Ocean acidification slowing coral reef growth, study confirms

  24-02-2016 19:00
  
  First scientific study on a natural coral reef shows the effect of acidification caused by global warming, rather than common factors in reef declineCoral reefs are having their growth stunted by ocean acidification caused by global warming, new research has confirmed. For the first time, scientists conducted an experiment on a natural coral reef which involved altering sea water chemistry to mimic the effect of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.Continue reading...
  
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• Would British farmers be better off in or out of the EU?

  24-02-2016 17:55
  
  Environment department ministers are at odds over whether a Brexit would be good for farmers, who receive roughly £2.5-3bn a year in EU subsidiesA battle for the Tory heartlands of the UK countryside has broken out within the government’s ministerial ranks, as David Cameron’s farming minister has defied his boss to urge farmers to vote to leave the EU.
  George Eustice, the farming minister, told the National Farmers’ Union annual conference on Wednesday that they would be
  
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• Every year could bring a heat wave if climate change continues

  24-02-2016 17:26
  By Megan Rowling BARCELONA (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Without reductions in planet-warming emissions, blistering heat waves of the strength that now typically occur once every 20 years could happen annually on 60 percent of the Earth's land areas by 2075, scientists have warned. The researchers said a worsening of extreme heat could have potentially deadly effects. "Imagine the hottest day that you can remember and instead of 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit), it's now 45 degrees
  
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• Earth is warming 50x faster than when it comes out of an ice age | Dana Nuccitelli

  24-02-2016 17:00
  
  A major new study includes some scary implications about how rapidly humans are changing the Earth’s climate
  Recently, The Guardian reported on a significant new study published in Nature Climate Change, finding that even if we meet our carbon reduction targets and stay below the 2°C global warming threshold, sea level rise will eventually inundate many major coastal cities around the world.
  20% of the world’s population will eventually have to migrate away from coasts swamped by
  
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• Heathrow 13: climate change protesters avoid jail

  24-02-2016 16:58
  
  Activists found guilty of aggravated trespass and entering restricted area of an aerodrome given suspended sentencesSix women and seven men have avoided jail for trespassing at Heathrow, following a protest against the possible expansion of the airport. The activists, dubbed the Heathrow 13, were given sentences of six weeks suspended for 12 months, meaning they would not have to go to prison immediately. Continue reading...
  
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• Hero Rats: Giant rodents used to sniff out mines in Cambodia, in pictures

  24-02-2016 16:17
  
  In pics: African giant pouched rats used to find buried explosives in Cambodia
  
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• Fukushima meltdown alert 'was delayed'

  24-02-2016 16:03 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The operator of the Fukushima nuclear power plant hit by the 2011 tsunami admits it should have announced a nuclear meltdown at the site sooner.
  
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• Who are the Heathrow 13? – in pictures

  24-02-2016 15:47
  The Plane Stupid activists who staged a peaceful protest on a Heathrow runway in 2015 could become the UK’s first climate change protesters to be jailed. They range from residents of the Heathrow villages to young climate activists Continue reading...
  
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• Oil below $33 on Saudi comments, report of U.S. inventory rise

  24-02-2016 15:42
  By Alex Lawler LONDON (Reuters) - Oil fell below $33 a barrel on Wednesday after Saudi Arabia ruled out production cuts and an industry report said that U.S. crude stockpiles had hit record levels, underlining the supply glut. Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said production cuts would not happen, though more countries would join a deal to freeze output. OPEC and non-OPEC producers who support the idea are planning a mid-March meeting, his Venezuelan counterpart said. "Al-Naimi's remarks puncture
  
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• Are confusing food labels putting Scotland's new circular economy strategy at risk?

  24-02-2016 14:50
  
  The Scottish Government has been warned that its ambitious new circular economy strategy could unravel due confusing food labels that cause more than 50% of the UK's residents to throw away perfectly edible food.
  
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• What happened to the Red Delicious apple

  24-02-2016 14:29 via feedproxy.google.com
  If you’re like most people, when looking for apples among the plethora of offerings at your local supermarket, perhaps you choose the most visually appealing.You may have noticed that in comparison with varieties that may be smaller, slightly mottled or have a brown spot or two, the Red Delicious easily wins the blue ribbon for best looking.Your first bite, however, might remind you that apples are one more thing you can’t judge by first appearances. The gorgeous apple that
  
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• UK environment ministers at odds over Brexit impact on farming

  24-02-2016 13:54
  
  George Eustice tells NFU conference that leaving the EU would mean £2bn for farming and the environment, while Liz Truss backs campaign to stayLeaving the European Union would pay an £18bn a year “Brexit dividend” which would allow the UK to spend £2bn on farming and the environment, farming minister, George Eustice, has said. Eustice sought to reassure farmers at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) annual conference that “without a shadow of doubt”
  
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• BP sees end in sight for oil glut, but impact will linger

  24-02-2016 13:50
  By Barbara Lewis BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Strong demand should start to cut into an oil glut around the end of this year, even as new Iranian supplies enter the market and doubts persist over whether major oil producers will reduce output, BP's chief economist said on Wednesday. Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Naimi has ruled out imminent OPEC production cuts, although he said on Tuesday he was confident more nations would join a pact to freeze output. Fellow OPEC member, Iran, meanwhile, is eager to incr
  
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• SpaceX to Try Rocket Landing During Satellite Launch Thursday: Watch Live

  24-02-2016 13:48
  
  Update, 6:55 p.m. EST Thursday (Feb. 25): SpaceX has called off Thursday's planned launch of the SES-9 communications satellite and the attempted landing of the company's Falcon 9 rocket on a ship at sea, apparently because of issues with the loading of liquid-oxygen propellant onto the booster. SpaceX will try again to land the first stage of its Falcon 9 rocket on a robotic ship Thursday (Feb. 25), and you can watch all the spaceflight action live online. The rocket landing attempt w
  
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• Urban soils release surprising amounts of carbon dioxide

  24-02-2016 13:04 via feedproxy.google.com
  In the concrete jungle at the core of a city, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are dominated by the fossil fuels burned by the dense concentrations of cars and buildings. Boston University researchers now have shown, however, that in metropolitan areas surrounding the city core, plant roots and decomposing organic material in soil give off enough CO2 , in a process termed "soil respiration", to make an unexpectedly great contribution to total emissions.
  
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• Half of the world calls for carbon markets to accelerate emissions reduction

  24-02-2016 13:04
  
  Half of the countries that agreed to limit global warming to two degrees at COP21 in Paris thrown their weight behind calls for the development of international carbon markets - a move that could prove vital in reaching climate goals - according to new research.
  
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• Milky Way gas survey completed

  24-02-2016 12:53 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Astronomers publish a detailed map of where dense, very cold gas - the stuff of which new stars are made - is found across the Milky Way.
  
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• Bill Gates: World will deliver 'clean energy breakthrough' within 15 years

  24-02-2016 12:10
  
  Tech billionaire predicts innovation will deliver the clean energy the world desperately needs, but only if young people, businesses, and governments step up to the plate, reports Business GreenBill Gates has predicted researchers will “discover a clean energy breakthrough that will save our planet and power our world” within the next 15 years.In their annual open letter, Bill and Melinda Gates provide an update on their plans to stimulate innovation in technologies for tackling clim
  
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• Study: Reducing meat and dairy consumption required to meet climate goals

  24-02-2016 12:02
  
  Europeans need to eat less beef and consume less dairy products in order to reach the EU's climate goals, according to a new study by Swedish researchers.
  
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• Earth is warming is 50x faster than when it comes out of an ice age | Dana Nuccitelli

  24-02-2016 12:00
  
  A major new study includes some scary implications about how rapidly humans are changing the Earth’s climate
  Recently, The Guardian reported on a significant new study published in Nature Climate Change, finding that even if we meet our carbon reduction targets and stay below the 2°C global warming threshold, sea level rise will eventually inundate many major coastal cities around the world.20% of the world’s population will eventually have to migrate away from coasts swamped by
  
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• Norway oil firms deepen cuts to 2016 investment plans, rate cut seen

  24-02-2016 11:54
  Norway's oil companies have deepened cuts to their 2016 investment plans, the latest survey by Statistics Norway showed on Wednesday, weakening the crown and heightening expectations of a rate cut by the central bank next month. Norway's leading industry has hit the brakes due to a 70-percent drop in the price of Brent crude since mid-2014 that has brought the Norwegian economy to a standstill. The country's oil companies now plan to invest 163.9 billion crowns ($18.89 billion) this year, agains
  
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• Bill Gates predicts 'energy miracle' within 15 years

  24-02-2016 11:47
  
  American business magnate and co-founder of Microsoft Bill Gates has called on the world to mobilise efforts to create an 'energy miracle' breakthrough that would revolutionise how we tackle climate change.
  
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• Who’s in line to be the next UN climate change chief?

  24-02-2016 11:34
  
  The UN wants an official with ‘high professional standing and an intimate knowledge of the issues’ to replace Christiana Figueres when she leaves in July. Climate Home looks at the potential candidatesThere’s a well-paid vacancy at the United Nations going at the moment.
  After six years in the hot-seat, UN climate chief Christiana Figueres is off, with a global pact at the top of her CV.The hunt is on for her replacement, the UN job portal is open, the salary in the region of $
  
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• Pictures of the day: 24 February 2016

  24-02-2016 11:18
  
  A slobbering great Dane, a Trump impersonator and a cat in a fan
  
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• New sustainability roadmap launched as shipping industry hits troubled waters over emissions

  24-02-2016 10:56
  
  A coalition of businesses and NGOs including AkzoNobel, Unilever and WWF is introducing a 2040 roadmap and set of shared commitments to help the shipping industry navigate the 'significant challenges' it faces on reducing emissions.
  
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• Waste managers lament Defra's 'utterly depleted' five-year plan

  24-02-2016 10:48
  
  The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has criticised the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for delivering a "highly disappointing" five-year environmental policy plan which contains a distinct lack of commitments on the reduction of UK waste.
  
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• Global ocean monitoring program struggling to stay afloat, warn scientists

  24-02-2016 10:31
  
  The Argo array of ocean floats supported by 31 countries has ‘revolutionised’ our understanding of the oceans but its future is uncertainRight now, roughly a kilometre below the surface of an ocean near you, a yellow cylinder about the size of a golf bag is taking measurements of the temperature and saltiness of the water.Every couple of days, the float will drop deeper – down to 2km – and then rise to the surface to transmit its data, before disappearing back into the de
  
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• Critical global ocean monitoring program struggling to stay afloat without funding promises, warn scientists

  24-02-2016 10:31
  
  The Argo array of ocean floats supported by 31 countries has ‘revolutionised’ our understanding of the oceans but its future is uncertainRight now, roughly a kilometre below the surface of an ocean near you, a yellow cylinder about the size of a golf bag is taking measurements of the temperature and saltiness of the water.Every couple of days, the float will drop deeper – down to two kilometres – and then rise to the surface to transmit its data, before disappearing back
  
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• Remarkable robot puts up with bullying

  24-02-2016 10:12 via bbc.co.uk
  
  A Google-owned robotics company builds a humanoid that demonstrates remarkable balance - even when taunted by humans.
  
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• Petrofac reports record order book on Middle-East demand

  24-02-2016 10:01
  (Reuters) - British oilfield services company Petrofac Ltd said its full-year revenue grew 10 percent and that its order book stood at record levels at the end of the year, sending shares up more than 12 percent on Wednesday morning. Petrofac said most of the $20.7 billion backlog came from its core Middle Eastern markets. Petrofac recorded a $431 million loss in 2015 on the Laggan Tormore project in the North Sea, hurt by higher costs and bad weather.
  
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• Heathrow 13: I'm terrified at the thought of prison, but have no regret

  24-02-2016 09:22
  
  As she prepares for sentencing, one of the third runway protesters says breaking the law will have been worthwhileWho owns sensible trousers that aren’t navy blue or black? In an effort to better distinguish between the guards and the guarded, the prison dress code has ruled out most of my wardrobe. I’m left staring at a sizeable collection of brightly-coloured leggings and weighing them against advice from sites like “first time in prison dot com” to “keep your hea
  
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• Energy industry demands 'urgent review' of Levy Control Framework

  24-02-2016 08:45
  
  The trade association for the UK energy industry Energy has called on the Government to "urgently review" the Levy Control Framework (LCF), providing clarity to companies and investors.
  
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• UK fracking traffic would increase local air pollution, finds study

  24-02-2016 08:01
  
  Number of tankers taking water to and from drilling sites would increase hourly levels of nitrogen oxide emissions by as much as 30%, says research The traffic generated by fracking in the UK would increase air pollution substantially at a local level at the busiest times, according to a study about the potential impact of lorry traffic.The research found that the number of tankers taking water to and from drilling sites would increase hourly levels of nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) by as much a
  
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• World's oil bosses eyeing more pain try to look past 2016

  24-02-2016 07:13
  By Ernest Scheyder, Anna Driver and Ron Bousso HOUSTON (Reuters) - The world's top oil executives gathered in Houston this week seem to agree on one thing: this year is set to be so horrible that many skip right to 2017 and beyond to talk about hopes for market rebalancing that so far has eluded the battered industry. In April 2015, the energy sector's biggest annual conference was abuzz with speculation when oil prices might bottom and the idea that prices could hover below $60 for years after
  
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• The Black Fish: undercover with the vigilantes fighting organised crime at sea | Matthew Green

  24-02-2016 07:00
  
  Illegal fishing controlled by organised crime is a growing menace, offering big rewards for low risk. But the seaborne raiders have a new force to contend with. An army of amateur sleuths are spending their holidays fighting backOn 2 August, a flotilla of white-hulled fishing boats assembled in Sant’Agata di Militello, a port in northern Sicily, in the late afternoon sun. As a brass band played, a holiday crowd gathered along the quay. A float bearing a statue of the Virgin Mary, crowned w
  
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• Heathrow 13 likely to become UK's first climate change protesters to be jailed

  24-02-2016 07:00
  
  Activists will be sentenced on Wednesday and have been warned of likelihood of jail time despite support of leading politiciansThe 13 activists who chained themselves to Heathrow’s northern runway are likely to become the first climate change protesters to be jailed in the UK when they are sentenced on Wednesday morning, despite the support of prominent politicians.
  The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, said it would be a “disgrace” and that he was “shattered by the conc
  
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